Irish Champion Hurdle

2.25 Leopardstown
BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner €71,500

Hurricane Fly: Has only run 2 times in open company, which is testament to how difficult he can be to get fit; Immensely talented, having run down Solwhit off the back of a 273 day absence on only second run in open company in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle, and possibly even bettered that when beating him over his preferred trip and ground in the Hatton’s Grace on his seasonal debut, and unchallenged thanks to traffic problems for that rival here last time; Likely to win well again.

Solwhit: Top class and near infallible hurdler who claimed his sixth Grade 1 success when landing the Dobbins and Madigans Hurdle for the second straight time in November; Ran as solid a race an ever when second to Hurricane Fly in the Hatton’s Grace (although brused aside) and never got chance to challenge last time thanks to traffic problems (although second); As useful a rival as ever but hard to see him reversing form.

Sublimity: Seemed to be coming back to the form that won him the Champion Hurdle 2 season ago when winning December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown but then regressed again; Hard to see him making impact in this company but placement of Robbie Hennessy must be applauded.

Thousand Stars: Improved out of all recognition last season, landing 2 handicap hurdles before bouncing back from his Pierse Hurdle disappointment with a win in the Country Hurdle and a third behind Solwhit and Hurricane Fly in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle; Didn’t find things to his liking in France and should be much better for that here, although he will have a tough task improving on his placing.

Volder La Vedette: Seriously progressive last year and tipped for major prizes when slamming Go Native by 13 lengths, following up in impressive style twice; Found top company bit too much but her third behind Solwhit and Hurricane Fly is a good effort and no surprise to see her close again.

VERDICT: We didn’t learn anything new about HURRICANE FLY when he won with ease here over Solwhit at Christmas, but nothing should be taken away from what is clearly an impressive talent and he should hold a big chance in the Champion Hurdle assuming he comes through this and gets there in one piece. This is a useful field when you consider the presence of Voler La Vedette and Thousand Stars.